Lynn Staude

Living in San Clemente, just north of San Diego—with my son now calling San Diego home—has given me a deep love for this stretch of California coastline. The weather is nearly perfect year-round; the pace is relaxed compared to Los Angeles, and there are endless ways for teens to stay active, curious, and entertained outdoors. From world-class surfing beaches and vibrant neighborhoods to theme parks, museums, wildlife, and harbor adventures, this region offers variety without ever feeling overwhelming. For families traveling with teens, Southern California is that rare place where everyone finds something they genuinely love to do.

There is no place in the world that feels as breathtaking to me as Lake Como, and Bellagio captures its magic perfectly. I could spend hours at the harbor simply watching ferries arrive and depart, seeing locals and visitors come and go against a backdrop that never looks real. Taking the ferry from town to town becomes part of the experience—slow travel, stunning views, and the joy of discovering each lakeside village at our own pace. The food, the scenery, and the peaceful rhythm of life here create a feeling that stays with me long after I leave, and sharing it on a mother–daughter trip made it even more meaningful.

A journey through Rome, Positano, and Capri captures the very soul of Italy—from ancient grandeur to sun-drenched coastal beauty. In Rome, culture lives in every piazza, museum, and trattoria, and wandering the cobblestone lanes of Trastevere feels like stepping into the city’s true heartbeat, made even more meaningful because my daughter calls it home. I also love pairing Rome with the Amalfi Coast since it’s just a quick train ride to Naples followed by a scenic ferry, creating the perfect balance of historic city energy and stunning seaside relaxation in one seamless trip. This journey blends history, heart, and breathtaking scenery into one unforgettable experience—lived not as a tourist, but through personal moments I return to again and again.

Iceland is one of those destinations that feels both powerful and deeply personal to me. My connection to it grew even stronger recently when my son took a solo trip there and was fortunate enough to witness the northern lights on his sixth night—an experience that perfectly captures the magic and unpredictability of this country. From a curator’s perspective, this is how I design Iceland for travelers who want freedom, scenery, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences without the stress of planning every detail themselves. The journey begins the moment you pick up your rental car, because in Iceland, the road itself is part of the experience and every drive feels cinematic. I carefully map each route in advance so clients always know where they’re going, where to pause, and where the most meaningful moments tend to unfold. From waterfalls and glaciers to geothermal pools and dancing northern skies, Iceland is best experienced at a pace that allows you to truly feel its wild, elemental beauty.

Venice feels unlike anywhere else in the world—no cars, no noise, just water, history, and quiet beauty around every corner. I love how you don’t “sightsee” here in a rush. You wander, you get lost, and that’s where the magic happens. The art, the architecture, the cafés spilling into piazzas, and the rhythm of boats instead of traffic make this city feel romantic and timeless. When I plan Venice for clients, I design it so they experience the icons and the hidden alleyways that make it unforgettable.

The Bernina Express is one of those rare journeys where the train itself becomes the destination. Traveling from Italy into Switzerland, it reveals an unforgettable transformation of landscapes—from sunlit vineyards and rolling green valleys with grazing cows to dramatic alpine glaciers and snow-covered peaks. It feels less like transportation and more like a cinematic passage through two worlds. For me, it represents the essence of slow luxury travel: immersive, unhurried, and deeply connected to place.

Paris is where I fall in love with France every time—wandering from the masterpieces inside the Louvre Museum to café-lined streets and the effortless style of Saint-Germain-des-Prés that feeds my love of fashion, food, and art history. I adore how the city invites you to slow down, shop beautiful boutiques, and linger over meals that feel like experiences, not just dinners. Then the South of France completely changes the mood, where mornings begin in the colorful lanes of Vieux Nice and days drift between beaches, markets, and old villages along the coast to Saint-Tropez. For me, combining Paris with the Riviera is the perfect balance of city elegance and seaside charm.